Racism is a ‘cancer eating away’ at Montreal police, officer says in resignation letter
Cmdr. Patrice Vilcéus, a Montrealer of Haitian origin, says he made sure throughout his career not to simply be an observer in the face of racism and racial profiling.
A senior officer in the Montreal police has described racism as a “cancer eating away at the organization” in a resignation letter that concludes his 30-year tenure with the force.
Cmdr. Patrice Vilcéus, a Montrealer of Haitian descent, emphasizes that he has not been a passive observer when it comes to racism and racial profiling throughout his career.
In a letter obtained by The Canadian Press, Vilcéus highlights the need for the Montreal police to confront the resistance of certain managers who uphold the status quo and advocates for a more inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives.
He references a recent court ruling acknowledging that racial profiling is a systemic issue within the police department.
Vilcéus joined the Montreal police in 1994 and eventually advanced to become the commander of a unit dedicated to combating organized crime. The Montreal police force has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the letter.
